The number of cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in Colorado feedlots with a capacity of 1,000 head or larger was estimated at 900,000 head as of February 1, 2017, no change from the January 1, 2017 inventory, but up 2 percent from February 1, 2016. Cattle feeders with 1,000 head or larger capacity marketed an estimated 175,000 head of fed cattle during January 2017, up 30 percent from the December 2016 marketings and up 35 percent from a year ago. An estimated 180,000 cattle and calves were placed on feed during January 2017, up 24 percent from a year ago and 38 percent above the December 2016 placements of 130,000. Of the number placed in January, 19 percent weighed less than 600 pounds, 28 percent weighed from 600 to 699 pounds, 25 percent weighed from 700 to 799 pounds, 19 percent weighed 800 to 899 pounds, and 8 percent weighed greater than 900 pounds. Other disappearance for January was estimated at 5,000 head, no change from last month and last year.

UNITED STATES

Cattle and calves on feed for the slaughter market in the United States for feedlots with capacity of 1,000 or more head totaled 10.8 million head on February 1, 2017. The inventory was 1 percent above February 1, 2016. Placements in feedlots during January totaled 1.98 million head, 11 percent above 2016. Net placements were 1.93 million head. During January, placements of cattle and calves weighing less than 600 pounds were 380,000 head, 600-699 pounds were 445,000 head, 700-799 pounds were 585,000 head, 800-899 pounds were 410,000, 900-999 pounds were 116,000, and 1,000 pounds and greater were 45,000 head. Marketings of fed cattle during January totaled 1.75 million head, 10 percent above 2016. Other disappearance totaled 53,000 head during January, 5 percent below 2016.

New placement weight categories are available this month. The new categories are 800-899 pounds, 900-999 pounds, and 1,000 pounds and greater. Information for January 2017 and January a year ago can be found on page 5 of this Publication. This additional information will be published monthly in the Cattle on Feed report.

For a full copy of the February 2017 Cattle on Feed report please visit www.nass.usda.gov.